promptness

[ prompt-nis ]

noun

1. the fact of being done, delivered, etc., at once or without delay:

   I appreciated his promptness in paying off the $10,000, as the company couldn't afford to carry such a big debt for long.

2. the fact or habit of being on time; punctuality:

   Washington's promptness extended even to his mealtimes; he ate dinner each day at exactly 4 o'clock, even if guests had not yet arrived.

Other Words From

• o·ver·prompt·ness noun
• un·prompt·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of promptness¹

prompt ( def ) + -ness ( def )

Example Sentences

Franchot replied that he was glad to hear it, noting that the purchase had prompted some criticism.

From Washington Post

That decision, GOP aides said, was prompted by the attendance issues surrounding the coronavirus threat.

From Washington Post

Privacy concerns prompted a 2003 California law that restricts the distribution of birth and death indexes, and forbids “fraudulent” uses.

From Voice of San Diego

The issue prompted inquiries from federal regulators and lawsuits from state attorneys general and district attorneys.

From Fortune

Then, a NASA-sponsored competition, which challenged participants to find ways to grow food on Mars, prompted him to experiment with vertical farming and hydroponics.

From Ozy

With laudable promptness, the speechifying began, as promised, at 11.

From The Daily Beast

It is critical to focus on concrete and implementable options, on a low profile, discretion and promptness.

From The Daily Beast

This danger Garnache, however, was no less quick to perceive, and with a dismaying promptness did he take his measures.

From Project Gutenberg

The whole operation was performed with a degree of system, regularity, and promptness, that was quite surprising.

From Project Gutenberg

Then his mind turned with promptness to the still living and urgent incidents of the situation.

From Project Gutenberg

"That was a fine specimen of soldierly wit and promptness, Simms," commended Lieutenant Hal heartily.

From Project Gutenberg

I agreed with such promptness and eagerness that a faint tinge of color came into her face.

From Project Gutenberg